Iraq Unveils Comprehensive 2035 Tourism Strategy to Welcome Ten Million Visitors While Preserving Cultural Heritage and Boosting Economic Growth

Published on January 7, 2026

Iraq is embarking on a far-reaching initiative to revitalize its tourism sector, unveiling a national strategy designed to attract 10 million international visitors by 2035. This ambitious roadmap aims to position the country as a global hub for cultural, historical, and ecological tourism, showcasing its ancient heritage, unique landscapes, and rich traditions while generating substantial economic growth.

Historically, Iraq’s tourism industry has faced significant obstacles, with security concerns prompting multiple nations, including the United States, China, and several European countries, to issue travel warnings. These advisories have impacted tourist arrivals and influenced international perceptions of the country’s safety. The new strategy directly addresses this challenge, emphasizing measures to enhance security, improve the tourism experience, and foster international confidence in Iraq as a safe destination.

Recent developments reflect progress in this area. Some European countries, such as the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Spain, have updated their travel advisories to reflect the improved security situation, signaling growing international trust in Iraq’s stability. These changes open the door for greater foreign engagement and provide a favorable backdrop for expanding tourism activity.

The national plan focuses on several core pillars to strengthen Iraq’s tourism ecosystem. Key among them is the restoration and preservation of historical and cultural sites, ensuring that landmarks, ancient ruins, and museums are maintained to international standards. Another priority is the development of human capital, with training programs designed to equip workers with skills and professionalism to enhance visitor experiences. The plan also emphasizes specialized tourism sectors, including heritage, archaeological, and ecological tourism, to appeal to diverse audiences and cultivate niche markets.

Economic indicators show promising signs for the sector. Tourism revenue rose from $4.6 billion in 2023 to $5.7 billion in 2024, reflecting growing interest from international travelers alongside improvements in infrastructure and service delivery. Despite this growth, Iraq currently ranks seventh in the Arab world in terms of tourism revenue, trailing countries such as the United Arab Emirates ($57 billion), Saudi Arabia ($41 billion), Egypt ($15 billion), Morocco ($11.3 billion), Qatar ($8.4 billion), and Jordan ($7.2 billion). The strategy aims to increase Iraq’s market share in the regional tourism sector and enhance its global competitiveness.

Security and stability remain central to the plan’s success. Recent improvements have enabled the development of modern facilities, upgraded accommodations, and enhanced transport networks, creating safer and more convenient experiences for visitors. By combining these measures with Iraq’s rich cultural and historical offerings, the country aims to provide immersive, memorable travel experiences.

Sustainability and local engagement are also core elements. The plan seeks to link tourism development with local economic growth, creating employment opportunities, supporting small and medium enterprises, and promoting inclusive benefits for communities. Ecological and heritage tourism initiatives are intended to protect natural landscapes and historic sites while attracting environmentally conscious travelers and culture-focused audiences.

Iraq is also pursuing international collaboration as a strategic component. Partnerships with neighboring countries and global tourism organizations are intended to improve connectivity, streamline travel processes, and strengthen joint promotional efforts. Such cooperation is expected to raise awareness of Iraq’s tourism potential, encourage investment, and foster regional tourism networks that benefit multiple stakeholders.

The strategy envisions a modernized tourism ecosystem, including state-of-the-art visitor facilities, digital platforms for tourism promotion, enhanced transport infrastructure, and strategic marketing campaigns. By creating a seamless travel experience, Iraq aims to establish itself as a compelling and accessible destination for international travelers.

If fully implemented, the plan has the potential to transform Iraq’s tourism sector, not only meeting the ambitious goal of 10 million visitors by 2035 but also enhancing the country’s economic impact, preserving its cultural heritage, and reinforcing its image on the global stage. Through a combination of security, sustainability, and innovation, Iraq is poised to redefine its tourism landscape, positioning itself as a dynamic destination where history, culture, and natural beauty converge.